Die rol van maatskaplike werkers in bedryfsorganisasies ten opsigte van leierskapsontwikkeling by grondvlakwerknemers

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: An explorative study of the Social Worker's role and responsibilities to develop theleadership potential of grassrootslevel employees in industrial organisations wasundertaken. This subject was chosen with requirements in mind, which are necessary forthe transformation process to be presented to industrial organisations for theimplementation of affirmative action. A comprehensive literature study revealed thatsocial workers can make a positive and essential contribution to organisations, either asan industrial social worker, or an affirmative action specialist, or as a member of thehuman resources development team. A discussion of the necessary leadership qualities,the implementation of affirmative action, and useful resources that may be used fordevelopment programs, is included. The literature study was followed by an empiricalstudy.The empirical study was made with the assistance of questionnaires. The questionnaireswere used to collect data on the perceived role of social work in the industrialorganisation. Organisations that do utilise social work services were approached forpermission and co-operation to complete the questionnaires. Seventeen respondents fromfifteen organisations were selected in a random process, for inclusion in the study.The research indicated that social workers have different roles to play in vanousorganisations, and with the values, knowledge base and competencies that are brought tothe organisation, have a responsibility to ensure that affirmative action and labourequality is brought to fruition. With regard to the implementation of leadershipdevelopment programs in industrial organisations, it was noted that grassroots levelemployees were seldom included in the programs, although the majority of socialworkers believe that all employees should participate in the programs.A summary of the skills and knowledge base required by the industrial social worker todeliver an effective service in the organisation, and to manage the development andtraining of employees, is included. Some skills that require further development by social workers were identified. It was also found that individuals hold differentperceptions and definitions of affirmative action and it's implementation in organisations.The recommendations are, inter alia, that all leadership development programs must becontinuously monitored, evaluated and subsequently followed up to assess theirapplicability and effectiveness. The training of industrial social workers must focus moreon the development of negotiating and training skills and stimulation of assertive actions.A larger variety of resources, such as video recordings, role playing, dramatisation,interactive computer programs and small group discussions, can be used in addition, forthe training and development of grassroots level employees.Should these recommendations be implemented, industrial social workers can make asignificant contribution to the development and improvement of South Africa'seconomic, political and social situation by extending the potential of the grassroots levelemployees, who constitute the greatest portion of the total labour force. A group ofpeople can thus be empowered to function optimally and to respond to the guidelines ofthe White Paper for Social Welfare 1997.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University